For years, the roar of the crowd, the precise set, the powerful spike, or the strategic dig have defined the lives of elite volleyball and beach volleyball players. Their days are sculpted by rigorous training, intense competition, and the singular pursuit of athletic excellence. But what happens when the final whistle blows, and the spotlight dims?
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), in a forward-thinking collaboration with the International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES), is addressing this pivotal question head-on. They`ve unveiled the participants for the 2025 edition of Beyond the Court, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower these seasoned athletes as they prepare to transition into new, equally impactful, professional careers.
A Week in the Olympic Capital: More Than Just a Game Plan
Scheduled from October 6th to 10th, 2025, this week-long program will unfold at Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland – aptly named the Olympic Capital. This isn`t merely a seminar; it`s an immersive experience crafted to equip participants with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the often-uncharted territory of post-athletic life. Think of it as a strategic timeout for their entire future.
Imagine swapping a playbook for a business plan, or a tactical huddle for a high-stakes networking event. That`s the essence of Beyond the Court. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, focusing on three core pillars:
- Education: Daily sessions will delve into crucial areas like identifying personal values, leveraging transferable skills developed on the court, building a professional brand, and mastering effective communication strategies. After all, the discipline required for an Olympic-level serve is not so different from the focus needed for a successful career pivot.
- Exposure: Participants will gain invaluable access to a robust network of global volleyball and beach volleyball stakeholders, alongside professionals from the broader sporting industry. This offers a unique chance to explore diverse opportunities, perhaps even staying within the sport`s ecosystem in a new capacity, or venturing into entirely new fields.
- Immersion: Being situated in the Olympic Capital provides an unparalleled backdrop. Athletes will connect with leading international sports organizations, broadening their perspectives and understanding the intricate ecosystem that supports the world of sport, far beyond the confines of the court.
Mornings are dedicated to practical frameworks and interactive workshops – akin to strategy meetings, but for personal growth. Afternoons shift to networking and tailored sessions, enhancing the athletes` capacity to articulate and leverage their unique experiences and formidable skill sets forged through years of competition. It’s about translating “championship mindset” into “corporate leadership potential” with a finesse rarely seen.
Meet the Future Leaders: A Diverse Cohort
The 2025 cohort represents a formidable array of talent and experience, hailing from across the globe. These aren`t just names; they are champions, Olympians, and influential figures in their respective disciplines. The participants include:
- Camil Inmaculada Dominguez Martinez (Dominican Republic) – Volleyball
- Maria Clara Salgado Solberg (Brazil) – Beach Volleyball
- Pedro Cunha (Brazil) – Beach Volleyball
- St. Clair Hodge (Saint Kitts and Nevis) – Volleyball & Beach Volleyball
- Doaa Tawfik Elghobashy (Egypt) – Volleyball & Beach Volleyball
- Mamdouh Abdelmoniem Mohamed Abdelrehim (Egypt) – Volleyball
- Youssef Krou (France) – Beach Volleyball
- Sanja Malagurski (Serbia) – Volleyball
- Dobriana Rabadzhieva (Bulgaria) – Volleyball
- Yeon-Koung Kim (South Korea) – Volleyball
- Pedro Solberg (Brazil) – Beach Volleyball
- Agatha Bednarczuk Rippel (Brazil) – Beach Volleyball
- Caroline de Oliveira Saad Gattaz (Brazil) – Volleyball
- Christina Bauer (France) – Volleyball
- Christopher McHugh (Australia) – Beach Volleyball
This diverse group underscores the universal challenge athletes face and the global relevance of such a program. From seasoned veterans like Yeon-Koung Kim to multiple Brazilian beach volleyball stars, each brings a unique journey and a wealth of experience to this new learning environment, proving that the desire for growth extends far beyond winning a match point.
Beyond the Court: A Legacy of Support
Beyond the Court is more than just a training program; it`s a testament to FIVB’s unwavering commitment to its athletes, recognizing that their journey extends far beyond the final match. It ensures that the immense talent, dedication, and resilience honed on the sand and hardwood can be seamlessly channeled into equally successful and fulfilling paths off the court. In a world where athletic careers are often finite, preparing champions for their next serve is perhaps the most crucial assist of all, proving that true victory lies in a well-prepared future.
Marcus Blakely